South Bend

Spring Break and much more...

by ACLdragonfly

My goodness I can't believe how much time has passed since I last posted. I apologize for slacking off, however now I really have a few things to talk about. Let me start off with telling you all about my spring break. It was so wonderful being able to sit back and relax. Relaxing isn't something I get to do much, so I really enjoyed my time off school and even work; that's right I took time off work. The week was full of fun times with friends and family, and I got to go horseback riding practically everyday. I have been so busy that I haven't been able to ride my horse, I had forgotten how much I enjoyed going for a ride in the middle of the afternoon. Spring break was a great time to catch up on lost sleep, and I relearned to appreciate a quiet day around the house.

After spring break I started an intense job search. I was going to about three interviews a week and really just trying to find a job that will make this summer and the months to come go smoothly. I never thought that a job search could be so tiring. I would go to an interview and feel really good about it when I left and never get a call back. I went to an interview for a cleaning job in the area...and they actually called me back. I was so excited about it. They gave me the position and I was ready to work hard and get things accomplished. However, in the beginning they never told me that the hours weren't going to be consistent, and that I had to drive almost and hour each day. I'm sure some of you reading this can relate. I have a car, yes it's reliable, but there's always the possibility of something going wrong with it; especially if I'm having to drive an hour to and from work each day. Then there is the fact that I'm a poor college student. If I had the  money to fill my gas tank three times a week why in the world would I be looking for a better job?? Anyways, I worked for them a couple days and then realized the job wasn't cut out for me. It's rather unfortunate that it worked out that way, but I made a pros and cons list and the cons definitely outweighed the pros. So the job search continues. I know the right job will come around sometime soon, I just hope it's sooner then later. If any of you readers have or currently are going through something like this, just remember that things will always workout with time. I don't know how I've made it this far, but it's happening. I hope all of you have a great day!!!

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

SURVIVOR
A poem by Ivy Tech Student Stephanie A. Nicklas and read live on FOX28's Morning Show, Friday, April 6 by the author.

A "pony" ride
A scary, gentle side
A big secret
A silent cry
They didn't listen
It's NOT a lie
It makes me less
A life's a mess
I told
I'm STRONG
He's less
I'm more
SURVIVOR.

The YWCA of St. Joseph County will partner with the IU South Bend Social Action Project will host a community awareness program on women's issues on Friday, April 6 from 6 to 9 p.m. in Wiekamp 1001 on the IU South Bend campus, 1700 Mishawaka Avenue, South Bend.  The program will include a screening of the documentary NO! by filmmakter Aishah Shahidah Simmons, followed by an open mic poetry jam and other artistic expressions by local artists. This event is free and open to the public.  For more information contact the YWCA or the Ivy Tech Student Government Association.

Who Knew You Could Learn So Much...

by ACLdragonfly

Car Auctions: Are they worth your time?

Who would think one could learn by going to a public car auction? I sure didn't think you could. However, once I went and experienced it, I really did learn a lot. Some may ask, "What made you decide to go to a car auction?"  Mostly because it's not something I would normally do.  But in truth, the main reason I went was because a friend of mine was selling his truck and he needed a ride home after it was over.

However, I learned so much in the short amount of time that I was there. I learned what to look for in a used car, how a car auction actually works, and I also got to learn about my friend.

The place was full of energy once the auction actually started. As the cars were pulled through the garage the bidding took place. There were people yelling all around me making sure their bids were heard. It was exciting.  But the the most exciting part of it was when my friend's truck went through, it didn't take long for people to start bidding.

I really enjoyed just sitting back and observing how the perspective buyers acted. Some were really serious, others just looked confused, then there were others who seemed over joyed. There was a young boy there with his father and by the looks of it he was trying to find his first car. His facial expressions were priceless. Watching his father bid on one of the cars he was interested in and then finally seeing that they had got a car...it was a great thing to witness.

The weather could have been a little better, by the time I was able to leave my whole body felt like an ice cube. Cars really can be interesting, especially as you start to learn about them and can actually hold your own in a conversation.

I leave you with this thought: Always go through your day looking for ways to learn. I went to this auction only expecting to take my friend a lift home.  I didn't expect to learn anything and I did.

Ivy Tech Region 2 Vending/Food Service Survey

To complete the Ivy Tech Vending/Food Services Survey, go to:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=113273469956

when prompted for a password, type:

ivytech

Your administration is listening, so thank you for your feedback! 

Spring Fever

by Ladifrog

Spring has sprung,
The grass is riz,
I wonder where,
Da birdies iz?

As I sit here and type this, it’s almost 60 degrees outside, the sun is shining and the sky is a beautiful blue color. You can smell spring in the air and yes folks, Spring Fever has hit! Spring is my favorite time of year. The earth is reborn and there are new births with animals, flowers, almost everything on the planet gets renewed in the Spring.

For me, it’s more than just the warm temperatures and sunny skies. After being cooped up in the house all winter, it’s finally time to throw open the windows and air the house out. Time to get rid of all the leftover cooking odors, pet smells and just everyday pieces of daily living.

It’s also a time to look at myself and see what changes I’d like to make in the new year. (Ok, so I’m a little late for resolutions, but THIS is my new year!) Since I’ve started here at Ivy Tech, I’ve made some wonderful friends. The Learning Lab staff is now my extended family and I couldn’t be happier. When I entered the doors of the school for the first time, it was as if a door to the world had been opened and it was laying there, just waiting for me to grab it.

Several years ago, I was working as a Medical Assistant and loving every single minute of it. I was able to make a difference in people’s lives, even if it was just to bring a smile to their face for a few seconds. When I lost that job, and wouldn’t be able to do it again for health reasons, I thought that feeling was gone from my life. I discovered to my joy, that it’s not. I get the same feeling when I’m tutoring a student. When I can see the light go on and everything clicks into place.

Everyone likes to know they matter, but for some, like me, it’s not just a simple like, it’s a real need; a  need to make a difference, to make the world a better place. I’m so glad that by being here at Ivy Tech, I’m being given the chance to do just that.

So when you look at your life, in this season of rebirth, look to see where you can make a difference. Sometimes all it takes is an encouraging word for your neighbor, or a silly joke to bring a smile to someone who’s having a rotten day. It doesn’t take much effort, but the rewards you get back are amazing!

So Many Plans, So Little…

by Ladifrog

I have been doing a lot of thinking lately about plans. I have so many plans in my head, things I want to do, classes I’d like to take, experiences I’d like to share. I have so much to give and unfortunately, I’m finding myself hitting a brick wall.

I’ve just joined the Poetry and Literature Club, and it’s a lot of fun. We have some really creative and talented people here on campus. The poetry club is even thinking about printing a collection of the best of submissions from the club. And that is where they are going to run into the brick wall.

I came up with the idea to start a small student run newsletter. I thought it was a great idea. A place we can share info on upcoming activities, share thoughts/ideas/poems with other students, a place to vent frustrations and/or share triumphs. The only problem is that I’d have to get permission first. Ok, that’s not so hard to do right? I wrote up a proposal and sent it to the appropriate persons. Now I’m waiting, and trying really hard not to be too impatient, but waiting to hear the yea or nay still the same.

It’s now been two weeks since I submitted it. I know that it could be a great thing for students here on campus. I’ve spoken to several professors and they think it’s a good idea. I’ve spoken to other students and they all think it’s a good idea. So now I guess I just have to wait to see if the ‘powers that be’ think it’s a good idea. In the meantime, I’m standing in front of this brick wall, trying to figure out a way to take it down carefully.

I like the idea of students getting involved on campus. Going to college isn’t just about the academics, it’s also about the social education we get while being here. Getting the most out of the whole ‘college experience’ is what rounds us out as individuals. Sometimes it almost seems as though some people have forgotten that and would prefer us (as students) to just come to class, do the work, and go home.

I am not going to waste the chances I’ve been given while I’m here. I’m going to do all I can and get the most out of my college experience!

I don't know what to put here...

by ACLdragonfly

Lonely in a crowded place

Wishing I could see your face.

Blocking everyone out

Life is filled with so much doubt

They tell me they love me

But their actions hate me

Pretending they're real

When we know how they  feel.

You say you're here with me everyday

leading and guiding every step of the way.

Now I'm in control, so I think

I've got this one, whether I swim or sink.

I used to be so filled with love

Now I would love just to be filled.

Where's all the passion, fervor and joy?

My hearts no longer a toy.

Just to have you again, I'd give anything.

But the price is everything

and I have nothing.

Where do I go when I've hit rock bottom?

Why has my heart gone completely numb?

What's it matter to you?

you've got me for eternity.

But do you really?

How do I know certainly?

Can I be sure? Are you really real?

How do you know my thoughts and exactly how I feel?

Did you love someone so much and they loved you too

but they never spent time with you?

Where you kicked out? Asked to leave?

Thinking you were loved and all along, were deceived?

Where you hated because you loved?

Masking all the pain you hid.

Hated because you were good at what you did?

If you are right here, then why do you feel so far away?

If you are right here, then why am I so lonely in such a crowded place?

Those Seven Words

by Darryl Mitchell

I really do not feel like hearing you complain once again
    About how come there are no more good men
Perhaps you should look within, don’t worry you can tell me
    What is it inside of you that you see?
Think about it, what about you attract these feeble minded souls
    Don’t tell me I don’t know because you do have control
See sometimes what you are looking for is staring you in the eye
    You don’t know a good thing until it passes you by
Stay out of your own way; let that organ do its part
    Quit thinking all the time and listen to your heart
The heart wants what the heart wants; it knows love by no other name
    L.O.V.E. is all that matters and 2 can win at this game
Do you really think that I want to hear about the problems that you bear?
    Is there big bold print on my forehead that spells out share?
Do I dare! Speak my mind open and fluently
    See girl you don’t know what it is you do to me
The way you walk and talk you have a natural sex appeal
    Only God almighty knows how I truly feel
But still, I stand back and continually listen
    While in my mind all I am doing is wishin
That it is your lips I’m kissin, but back to reality
    An ear to listen and a shoulder to cry on is all you see
But I can’t take it anymore the time has arrived
    My true feelings about her I can no longer hide
So I tell her how I feel, spilling out all my internal feelings
    I say “Your heart has broken enough, let me do the healing”
On and on I go until she puts her fingers to my lips
    I kiss her finger gently as they begin to slip, down to her hip
She cocks her head to the side and my heart begins to swell
    Then she gives me this look that I know all to well
What the hell, “Darryl I think you’re sweet and you’ve been there through thick and thin
    But I love you like a brother and……………………… I just see you as a friend”

Remaining SGA Spring 07 Schedule

by Jerry Madsen

For those who would like to attend any Student Government Association meetings, the following is the remainder of our Spring 2007 schedule:

• Wednesday, March 7, 2007 (3pm in room 1148) – Parliamentary Procedure Training
• Wednesday, March 14, 2007 (3pm in room 1148) – SGA Public Meeting
• Wednesday, March 21, 2007 – NO MEETING – SPRING BREAK
• Wednesday, March 28, 2007 – (3pm in room 1148) – SGA Public Meeting
• Wednesday, April 4, 2007 – (3pm in room 1148) – StrengthsQuest Leadership Training
• Wednesday, April 11, 2007– (3pm in room 1148) – SGA Public Meeting
• Friday, April 06 or 13, 2007 – (11pm to 2pm on Front Lawn) – SGA Chicken Lunch Extravaganza
• Wednesday, April 18, 2007 – (3pm in room 1148) – Year-end SGA Public Meeting
• Tuesday, April 24, 2007 – (4pm in Cyber Café) – Honors Convocation

If you have any questions, please contact Jerry Madsen.

Look on the bright side....

by ACLdragonfly

Looking on the bright side is not always an easy thing one can do, especially when things are not going the way one feels they should be or hoped they would be. However, when one figures out how to look through the negative things in life and focus on the good, one's whole outlook on life will change and what used to seem hard and depressing will pass smoothly and the stress levels will decrease.

Time and time again, when I find myself getting down, I tell myself to step outside of my box and take a look at the whole picture versus just what I see in the moment. Sometimes I can be so blinded by the walls of my box that I don't realize how much is going on outside; things that impact into what's going on in my life. I find it amazing just how much easier it is to deal with things when I do step back and get perspective on all the factors contributing to what's going on; whether it's positive or negative, it helps me get through life.

I encourage you all to step outside of your box and really look at what's going on around you. Look for the positive in situations going on in your life and try to notice the positive aspect of the people you meet everyday.  Making fast assumptions and judgments can hinder your actions. Have you ever met someone and immediately thought that no matter what, you wouldn't get a long with them? Then after spending a short amount of time with this person you realize just how good they are?  People are very interesting and there are so many walls people put up in order to protect themselves from what others may think of them. Give people a chance to break down their own protective walls and allow them to prove themselves.

The Bible implies we should knock the sand out of our shoes after three days. Roughly translated, we should mourn briefly, move on swiftly, and smile through lives ups-and-downs. Just think about it. :)

I hope you all have an outstanding week and remember to SMILE!  Be Blessed.